Baling-press



, (NoM'del.) Y A W.. P. GROOM.

vBamling-Press. NCL 226,998. Patented April 27, |880.

NITED STATES y PATENT Orrica.

WALLACE I). GROOM, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

BALING-PRESS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 226,998, dated April27, 1880 Application filed March 16, 1880.

To all 'whom fit may concern:

Be it known that I, WALLACE I). GROOM, of the city of Brooklyn, in thecounty of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new andusef'ul improvements in Baling- Presses, of which the following is aspecification.

My invention relates to what are known as continuous presses,n in whicha traverser or plunger is reciprocated in a rectangular trunk orpress-chamber.

While the plunger is back the cotton or other fibrous material to bebaled is put into the trunk or press-chamber in small quantities inadvance of said plunger, and when the plunger makes its forward strokeor movement any material introduced in front of it is forced forward andtightly compressed in said trunk or press-chamber.

The compressed material is divided at proper intervals by dividingpieces, which are inserted,while the machine is in motion, through thefeedopening into the press chamber. These pieces divide the compressedmaterial into separate bales, and supply openings needed for tying thesaid bales.

In presses of this character it is desirable tov prevent the pressedmaterial from a return or retrogressive movement, due to the elasticityof the pressed material when the plunger commences its backward movementand the pressure thereof' is removed from the pressed m-aterial. To thisend one feature of my invention consists in the combination, with areciprocating plunger, of a trunk or press-chamber furnished upon thesides with series of ratchetshaped teeth, which not only offerresistance to forward movement of material, but also preventretrogressive movement of the pressed material as the plunger recedes.As the pressed material is forced from the receiving end of thepress-chamber toward the exit its elasticity is gradually subdued orovercome, and the depth and length of said ratchet-teeth are graduallydiminished toward the exit of the press-chamber, the angle of theirfaces being kept preferably uniform.

It is also desirable that the material, before being introduced into thepress chamber, should be formed into thin layers of proper size toapproximately fit the press-chamber, and to (No model.)

effect this I employ a condenser or preliminary pressing device, workingin a chamber arranged parallel with the press-chamber, for condensingthe loose material, a feeder having a movement at right angles to thecondenser and press-chamber, for forcing the single layers of materialas they are successivelyibrmed into the press-chamber, and mechanism foractuating the plunger, condenser, and feeder, to permit of the properdwelling of certain of said devices while the others perform their Work.For instance, the condenser, after moving quickly forward to form theloose material into a layer, remains stationary while the feeder forcessaid layer into the press-chamber. The

feeder, after forcing said layer into the presschamber, remainsstationary' with its end liush with the inner surface of thepress-chamber, closing the opening in the chamber and forming one sidethereof, while the plunger moves forward to compress the material.

The press-chamber has bearers or ways extending longitudinally throughit, by which the dividing-pieces are prevented from entering or engagingwith the ratchet-teeth as they are moved with the material. rllhe saiddividing-pieces, which are in the form of thin plank, with grooves toadmit of the passage of wire ties or bands, are of a size to iittransversely within the press-chamber, and' are intended to beintroduced through an opening in the feedtable into the condenser box orchamber, and to be forced forward by the condenser, like the layers ofmaterial under the feeder, which forces them into the press-chamber inthe same manner that it introduces the layers of material.

To prevent the dividing-pieces from falling over, the upright walls ofthe condenser-chamber and of the press-chamber are provided withlongitudinally-extending beads or ribs, and the dividing-piece isgrooved or notched at its edges to engage with said beads or ribs.

Other features of my invention consist in various details of theoperating mechanism, and in combination of parts hereinafter. to bedescribed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l represents a longitudinalvertical section through a press embodying my invention. Fig. 2represents a plan thereof, partly in section. Fig. 3

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represents a transverse vertical section on the dotted line x w, Fig. l.Fig. 4 represents a diagram view, illustrating the operation of theplunger and feeder connection. Fig. 5 represents a similar diagram, fromthe opposite side of the press, of certain other parts; and Fig. 6represents a face View of one of the dividing-pieces.

Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all thefigures.

A designates the press trunk or chamber, which is represented asarranged in a horizontal position, and is rectangular in transversesection.

B designates the press-plunger, closely fitting within the press-chamberA, and adapted to be reciprocated therein by any suitable mechanism. Inthe present instance this operating mechanism consists of a crankcomposed of two disks or wheels, C C, and a connecting-rod, D, extendingtherefrom. In one side (in this instance in the top) of the presschamberis an opening or filling-mouth, c, through which material to be pressedis introduced while the plunger B is back, for instance, in the positionshown in Fig. l. At each forward stroke of the plunger the material iscompressed against the pressed ma terial previously placed there,forming an additional layer.

In order to offer the proper resistance to the forward movement of thepressed material toward the exit end of the press-chamber, and at thesame time to prevent the retrogrcssive movement of the pressed materialdue to its elasticity when the plunger commences its backward movement,I form in the sides of the press-chamber series of ratchet-teeth b, theinclined surfaces of which offer resistance to the forward movement ofthe pressed material, so as to enable the plunger to work moreeffectively, and the square faces of which effectively prevent theretrogressive movement of the material after the plunger leaves it. Asthe pressed material approaches the eXit end of the press -chamber itselasticity is gradually subdued or overcome, and hence the ratchet-teethare formed so that they diminish in depth and length from the beginningto the exit end ofthe press -chamber, as clearly shown in Fig. l, theangle of their inclined surfaces preferably remaining the same.

In order to provide for separating the pressed material into bales andlto provide for tying the bales, I employ dividing-pieces E, which areintroduced at intervals, as desired, through the feed-opening c, and arecarried forward with the pressed material.

In order to prevent the dividing-pieces from en gagin g with theratchet-teeth I), I leave plain surfaces or bearers c, extendinglongitudinally through the press-chamber, which are shown clearly inFig. 3.

In order to prevent the dividing-pieces E from tipping or canting beforethey are sup ported by the pressed material, I furnish the upright wallsor sides of the press-chamber with beads or ribs d, (here shown asrounded,) and I provide the dividing -pieces E with notches e in theiropposite edges, which engage with said beads or ribs.

As shown in Fig. l, the beads or ribs d are tapered at one end, so as toreadily engage with the notches in the dividing-piece. The beads d, inaddition to holding the dividingpieces upright, also form recesses inthe pressed material, in which the metal ties and connections may rest,so that the bags or covering will not be chafed by them.

In opposite sides of the presschamber A are slots j', through which thewires or hands for tying the bales may be inserted.

In order to facilitate the pressing of material it is desirable tha-tthe material should, before being introduced into the press-chainber, besubjected to a preliminary pressing or forming, and I have representedthis press as provided with devices whereby the loose material may beformed into layers, and other devices whereby these condensed layers maybe forced into the press-chamber.

Arranged parallel with the press-chamberA, and in the present instanceat the top thereof, is a condensing-chamber, F, in which a condenser, F,is adapted to he reciprocated. This condenser consists, in thisinstance, of a plate attached to a horizontally-arranged board orsupport, F2, which moves back and forth upon the top of thecondensing-chamber F, and is secured thereto by the tongues g en gagingin the `grooves h, as shown clearly in Fig. 3.

Gr designates a section of a feed board or table arranged over thecondensing-chamber F and provided with feed-opening G', through whichthe loose material is introduced, and which may be made adjustable insize for different materials.

Arranged against the back wall, F3, of the condensing -boX F is afeeding device, H, which, as represented in Fig. 2, is shown as securedto said back wall by means of grooves i in said feeder, in which tonguesor ribs j upon the said back engage, so that it may be moved vertically.

The loose material introduced into the condensing-chamber is carriedforward by the movement ofthe condenser and pressed against the backwall of the condensing-box, so as to form a layer of material condensedor partly pressed, the feeder H being meanwhile in an elevated position.After the condenser ceases its movement the feeder commences to descendand forces the layer of condensed material down through the opening ainto the presschamber. During the downward movement of the feeder thecondenser is held stationary and forms, with the back of thecondensingbox F3, walls, between which the feeder works. When the feederhas completed its downward movement its inner end, which enters theopening a., stands flush with the inner wall of the press-chamber andforms, in fact, a portion of one side of the press-chamber. The plun-IOO IOS

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sesame s ger B, which during the downward movement of the feeder hasbeen moving forward, does not reach the opening a until after it isclosed by the feeder, and hence the material cannot catch in the openingand impede the operation of the press.

The dividing-pieces E are inserted through the opening G into thecondensing-cham ber, and said chamber is provided with beads or ribs d',like those in the press-chamber, for

engaging within the notches e in the dividingpiece and holding itupright, said beads or ribs being arranged at the same distance apart asthose in the press-chamber. The dividingpieces are carried forward bythe condenser and pushed down by the feeder H, iu the same manner as thelayers of material.

In Figs. l and 3 the dividing-pieces are represented as passingfrom thecondensing-chamber, they being there shown as about half-way into thepressing-chamber.

In order to prevent the dividing-piece from dropping into thepress-chamber by its own weight, I secure to the sides of thecondensing-box F strips 7c, of rubber, or provide other elastic faces,which bear upon the opposite edges 'of the dividing-piece and hold ituntil it is forced down by the feeder.

I designates a folding device, consisting of a strip or piece of elasticmaterial secured at the edge of the feed-opening G to the sides of thecondensing-box. This folding device is set at an angle or incline, asshown in Fig. l, and its elasticity permits of its yielding' as thematerial passes under it.

Any material which projects above a line on the plane of the bottom ofthe feeder when elevated is turned or folded over or backward by thisfolder, and also pressed down as the condenser F passes under it,because of its inclined position.

As before explained, it is very desirable that the feeder and condensershould have certain dwells or stops during their operation, and I willnow describe the mechanism whereby they are operated and these resultsattained.

J designates a lever swinging upon a fulcrum-pin, l, and connected atits upper end, by a link, J', 'to a cross-head, J2, from which extendarms or rods J 3, forv operatin g the condenser F.

An elastic cushion, J 4, may be employed for deadening any severe shockthat might occur, and thereby prevent breakage of the operatin gmechanism.

The lower portion of the lever J is bifurcated and embraces theconnecting-rod D, and

the said connecting-rod is furnished with a pin, m, which engages inaslot, n, of peculiar form, in the said lever.-

The slot n is of such form that while the crank-pin of thedriving-wheels Gis traveling from the dotted position o to the dottedposition o (see Fig. l) the condenser F remains stationary in itsoutward position, the lever J being in the position shown in dottedoutline in Fig. l'. .Vhile the crank turns from the position o to theposition o2 in Fig. l the condenser makes a quick forward movement, andthen remains stationary while the crank makes a quarter of a revolutionto the position indicated by p. While the crank moves from p to o thecondenser moves back.

By changing the form of the slot n the movement of the condenser mightbe varied, if found to be desirable.

The mechanism for operatin g the feeder, as here shown, consists oflevers K, secured by fulcruin-pins g to the sides of the press, andconnected at one end, by rods K, with a bar, K2, extendingacross the topof the feeder. At their other ends these levers K are provided withpills r, which engage in slots s in 1 plates L, extending on each sideof the plunger B, and constituting part of said plunger. These slots arecomposed of an inclined portion and a straight portion on each sidethereof, and by the longitudinal movement of the plunger B the levers Kare swung or oscillated and the feeder operated.

The slots s are so formed in this example of my invention that thefeeder remains stationary in an elevated position during about halftheforward movement of the plunger, and is moved quickly down andremains stationary in its depressed position during the remainder of themovement ofthe plunger.

By changing the form of the slots s the movements of the feeder might bemodified.

If desirable, in lieu of the mechanism here shown for operating thefeeder, I might con-4 nect the ends of the levers K, by means of rods,with a rock-shaft extending transversely across the machine, so as toimpart an osci lating motion thereto, and in such case the feeder wouldbe connected at its center to an arm or lever extending from therock-shaft. An elastic connection or cushion, somewhat similar to thecushion J4, might be employed between the feeder and said arm, if suchmechanism were used.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is-

l. The combination of a reciprocating plunger and a press-chamber, towhich said plunger is fitted, and the sides of which presschamber areprovided internally with series of ratchet-teeth which diminish inlength and depth gradually from the feed-entrance to the exit end ofsaid chamber, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. The combination of a reciprocating plunger and a press-chamber1 towhich said plunger is litted, the sides of which are provided internallywith ratchet-teeth, and which is also provided withlongitudinally-extending plain surfacesor bearers, substantially as andfor the'purpose specified.

3. The combination of a reciprocating plunger and a press-chamber, towhich said plunger is iitted and the upright walls of which are providedinternally with projecting beads or ribs, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

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4. The combination of a reciprocating plunper, a press-chamber, to whichsaid plunger is iitted and which is provided with a feed-opening, af'eeder movable transversely to the presschamber and fitting saidopening', and mechanism for operating said plunger and feeder andholding said feeder stationary in said opening while the plunger movespast it, substantially as specified.

5. The combination of a reciprocating plunger, a press-chamber, acondensing-chamber, areal-opening from said condensing-chamber tov saidpress-chamber, a reciprocating condenser, a feeder adapted to be movedtransversely to the coinlensing-chamber, guides for said feeder, andmechanism for operating said plunger, conden ser, and feeder, and forholding said. condenser stationary while the said feeder moves inward,substantially as specified.

G. The combination of acondenser and a condensing-chamber, to which saidcondenser is iitted and the uprightwalls of which are providedinternally with longitudinal beads or ribs, substantially as and for thepurpose specified.

7. The combination, with a reciprocating plunger and a press-chamber, towhich said plunger is fitted and the upright Walls ofwhich areprovidedinternally with beads or ribs, of a reciprocating condenser and a.chamber, to 'which said condenser is fitted and the upright walls ofwhich are provided internally with D, the lever J, to one end of whichthe condenser is connected and which is provided near the other end witha slot, n, engaging with a pin, m, in the connecting-rod, all arrangedsubstantially as and for the purpose specified.

l0. The combination of the condenser F', the arms or rods J, thecross-bar J2, the link J', the bifurcated lever J, provided with a slot,n, and the connecting-rod D, provided with the pin on, substantially asspecied.

l1. The combination ofthe press-chamber A, plunger B, fitting therein,the feeder H, the cross-bar K2, the oscillating levers K, provided withthe pins r, the slots s in the plunger, in which said pins engage, androds K', connecting said levers with said cross-bar and the feeder,substantially as specified.

VALLAGE P. GROOM. Vitnesses CHANDLER HALL, E. P. JEssUP.

